If your IB predicted grades have come back lower than you expected, you might be feeling anxious about what this means for your university applications. The good news is that lower predicted grades do not automatically block your path to university or success in the IB Diploma. Let’s break down what lower predicted grades mean, how they affect applications, and what you can do about it.
Why Do Predicted Grades Matter?
- Predicted grades are teacher estimates of the scores you’re likely to achieve based on your mock exams, coursework, and class performance.
- Universities—especially in the UK, Europe, and some other systems—use these grades to issue conditional offers because they don’t yet have your final results.
- In other countries (such as the US), predicted grades are just one part of a holistic review that also includes standardized tests, essays, and extracurriculars.
What Happens If Your Predicted Grades Are Lower Than Expected?
- Conditional offers may be harder to secure for highly competitive programs where your predicted grades don’t meet minimum entry requirements.
- Some universities focus more on whether you’ll meet their minimum entry thresholds rather than matching their offers exactly.
- In the US and other holistic systems, predicted grades usually carry less weight compared to final results and other application components.
- In some cases, universities may still offer places or flexibility if your final grades meet their criteria—even if your predictions were lower.
How to Respond If Your Predicted Grades Are Low
- Focus on improving your final exam performance. Final IB scores, not predicted grades, are what universities ultimately use to confirm conditional offers.
- Work closely with teachers to strengthen weak areas. Ask for feedback and create an improvement plan.
- Communicate with universities or admissions teams. If your predicted grades are not reflective of your capability (perhaps due to illness or other factors), a school reference or counselor letter can sometimes help.
- Consider a balanced university application list. Apply to a range of universities, including those where your predicted grades meet or exceed entry requirements.
Key Insights About Predicted Grades
- Predicted grades are just that—predictions, not guarantees. They can be conservative or optimistic depending on your teacher’s judgment and school policy.
- The IB monitors predicted grades against final results to promote fairness and accuracy across schools.
- Research shows that schools often over-predict rather than under-predict, so lower predicted grades may be cautious rather than definitive.
- You can still achieve higher final grades through focused effort and exam preparation.
Summary
- Lower predicted grades can influence conditional offers, but they don’t define your final outcome.
- Focus on improving your performance in final exams to secure your offers.
- Use this as a learning opportunity to identify gaps, seek support, and demonstrate resilience.
- Remember that universities, especially in holistic systems, look at the whole application—not just predicted scores.
For planners, grade trackers, and strategies to boost your final performance, check out RevisionDojo, where IB specialists provide tools to help you meet or exceed your predicted grades.
FAQ: Lower Predicted Grades in IB
Can I ask my teacher to change my predicted grades?
You can discuss your concerns with your teacher, especially if you have new evidence of improvement. However, changes are at the teacher’s discretion and must be justified.
Will universities reject me because of low predicted grades?
Not necessarily. Many universities focus on whether your final grades meet the conditions of their offer. Others may consider your overall application holistically.
Do predicted grades affect scholarships?
Yes. Some scholarships use predicted grades for initial selection, but final awards usually depend on actual results.
What if my final grades exceed my predicted grades?
That’s great! Universities will honor your final results when confirming offers, and you may even have options through adjustment schemes (in the UK) or better scholarships.
Visit RevisionDojo today for mock exam planners, grade trackers, IA support, and proven strategies to help you boost your final IB performance and meet or exceed your predicted grades. Don’t leave your results to chance—get expert help and resources tailored for IB success.
